RICHMOND, IN – October 28, 2025 – Richmond Community Schools is proud to announce that Charles Elementary School has been named a 2025 Indiana Blue Ribbon School, one of 11 schools across the state selected for this inaugural designation.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun and Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner announced the inaugural recipients of the newly-established Indiana Blue Ribbon Schools designation, honoring public and private schools for their exceptional academic achievement and commitment to student success.
The designation celebrates schools that demonstrate exemplary academic performance and employ innovative approaches to meet the diverse needs of all learners. Charles Elementary earned this recognition for fostering an environment where excellence is both expected and consistently achieved.
"This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our entire school community," said Principal Ashley Garard. "Our dedicated teachers and staff work tirelessly to create a culture of learning that nurtures every student's potential and prepares them for future success."
“We are so proud of Charles Elementary for earning this incredible honor,” said Superintendent Dr. Curtis Wright. “This achievement is a reflection of the educational best practices our staff, students, and stakeholders have put into motion over the past three years. While this year it is Charles Elementary being celebrated, we are confident that in time, many more RCS elementary schools will also be acknowledged as Blue Ribbon!”
Charles Elementary School will be formally honored at the fourth annual Educational Excellence Awards Gala in Indianapolis on Friday, November 21, 2025.
The Indiana Blue Ribbon Schools designation builds on the legacy of the National Blue Ribbon Schools program, first established in 1982. The Indiana Department of Education will annually name a new cohort of designees to celebrate the achievements of local schools.